Hairdressers Project - 29 June 2015

Hairdressers can help

Hairdressers aren't social workers but by knowing what to say to clients they are worried about, they can help people to get the support they need - both people who are being violent and people who are being hurt.

It’s not OK has developed a package to help hairdressers and beauticians know how to respond to clients who are affected by violence at home.

This initiative is the brainchild of Ohakune hairdresser Kelly Porter who features in the video Hairdressers Can Help. View the video with captions on our You Tube channel

Included in the package are:

Posters

Badges

It’s not OK resources

Latest statistics.

If you would like to receive this package please email areyouok@msd.govt.nz We will also put you in touch with your local family violence network coordinator who can give you more information and support.

There’s also lots more information about how to help people who are in family violence situations on our website. It’s not OK resources are free and can be ordered here.

Please read the brochures in this package, they have important information about warning signs and about best ways to help people and keep yourself safe.

Some tips and guidelines

Clients can be referred to the It’s not OK information line on 0800 456 450

You can also phone this number for advice if you’re not sure what to do

If you are worried about someone don’t ignore it

Never put your own safety at risk

Trust your gut instinct.

BACKGROUND

The video was made in Taupo, Ohakune and Lower Hutt and features hairdressers and tutors from those communities.

It is based on a pilot project run in Taupo in partnership with salons, hairdresser tutors and local Violence Intervention Network Coordinator Gloria Eves.

Presentations were subsequently delivered in Rotorua, Hawkes Bay and Lower Hutt. Then a decision was made to capture the presentation on an online video so it could be made available to hairdressers across the country.

The pilot showed that hairdressers already see a lot of domestic/family violence. They know when a client is affected by violence at home but they’re not sure whether they should say something or mind their own business.

Because family violence thrives in silence, we need to give visibility to the issue and get a conversation going. If people feel they can talk about it then they can take the next step and ask for help.

It’s not OK is a national, government funded campaign to change attitudes and behaviour towards family violence. We all have a part to play.